Tainted Steroids Exposed 13,000 to Meningitis

An estimated 13,000 people have been exposed to a tainted steroid linked to fungal meningitis, several news outlets are reporting. The steroid, methylprednisolone acetate, has been linked to 8 deaths and more than 97 other meningitis illnesses in 23 states. The estimated 17,676 doses of methylprednisolone acetate, which is injected to help back and neck pain, was produced by the New England Compounding Center of Framingham, Massachusetts, according to The New York Times.

Fungal Meningitis Symptoms

While it is not known if all of the doses of methylprednisolone acetate are contaminated with fungal meningitis (which is not contagious), anyone who received a steroid injection for back pain after May 21, 2012 should be aware of the symptoms. Information provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

Fever

Headache

Stiff neck

Nausea and vomiting

Photophobia (Sensitivity to Light)

Altered mental status

Treatment: Fungal Meningitis

According to the CDC, fungal meningitis spreads throughout the body after being introduced to the central nervous system. Administering medications like steroids weaken the immune system, making the human body even more vulnerable to meningitis.

Early treatment can help save lives, according to The New York Times, as fungal meningitis symptoms are severe and can cause stroke and death. Fungal meningitis is treated over a long period of time with high doses of medication that can have deadly side effects, making preventative treatment dangerous.

Fungal Meningitis Facts

Fungal meningitis can be deadly if not quickly treated- if symptoms occur see your doctor immediately to be tested.

Tennessee received a particularly large quantity of the affected steroid methylprednisolone acetate.

The FDA and CDC are closely monitoring the recent fungal meningitis outbreak. For up to date information, click here.

Contact an Experienced Product Liability Attorney

Thomas J. Henry are leaders in the area of drug and product liability litigation. Our Defective Drug and Products Division has extensive knowledge and resources in order to represent our clients efficiently and aggressively.

If you or someone you love contracted fungal meningitis after being injected with Methylprednisolone Acetate produced at New England Compounding Pharmacy, contact Thomas J. Henry immediately. We represent clients/victims all over the country. We are available 24/7, nights and weekends.